April 2, 2008

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova's explosive fifth inning with seven runs was enough to propel them into a 12-3 victory over Delaware in five innings during game one of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon.

The Wildcats (10-12) would earn a 5-4 victory in game two of the doubleheader as sophomore Jess O'Boyle singled and reached first on an error with the bases loaded to send two runners home and take the victory in the bottom of the seventh.

Delaware came out hard in the first with a lead-off single in game one. The runner would score on a passed ball as the Blue Hens took the early 1-0 lead.

The Wildcats had an explosive third inning as senior Jackie Dempsey hit a lead-off single and moved to second on an error. Dempsey advanced home on a single from senior Jessica Curtis. Sophomore Erynn Teague scored on a single from junior Meghan Morese. After O'Boyle was walked, sophomore Danielle Maricle hit an RBI double to send Morese home. Freshman Allie Heon hit a sacrifice fly to score O'Boyle and senior Carolyn Brown hit an RBI double, putting the Wildcats ahead, 5-2.

Delaware threatened in the top of the fifth inning, scoring one run to close within the `Cats, but a lead-off single by O'Boyle in the fifth got Villanova rolling. Maricle singled and stole second after O'Boyle moved over on a passed ball. Heon hit another sacrifice fly to score O'Boyle, and earning the RBI. Freshman Christina Botkins hit a two-RBI double to send Brown and Maricle across home plate, and after a pitching change from the Blue Hens, Dempsey nailed an RBI single to score Botkins. With two runners on base and two out, Morese stepped up and sailed a home run to center field, earning three RBI's and ending the game with Villanova on top, 12-3.

Morese was 2-of-4 with two runs and four RBI's, while Curtis went 3-of-4 with one run and one RBI. The Wildcats combined to put up 15 hits in the game. Junior pitcher Laura Determan came in for three innings, giving up just one run on one hit and fanning four batters.

In the second game, a lead-off single for Delaware got them in scoring position immediately, and after stealing second, the runner crossed home plate, putting the Blue Hens in front, 1-0.

Villanova had a strong first inning as Teague reached first on an error, then advanced to second on the next play. Morese stepped up as the third batter and hit another home run for two RBI's and giving the `Cats a 2-1 lead.

`Nova tied the game in the third inning when Dempsey reached base on an error and was sent home after Curtis bunted and advanced to second on the throw.

Down, 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Villanova started strong on a lead-off single from Heon. Dempsey attempted to bunt her over and was able to reach first on an error as Heon moved over to third. Dempsey stole second and Curtis loaded the bases after she notched a single. Junior Natalie Hord went to first on a fielder's choice, Curtis moved to second and Dempsey to third, but the Wildcats would not get the run as Heon was thrown out at home. O'Boyle reached first base in the next at-bat on a throwing error, scoring Dempsey and Curtis and giving Villanova the 5-4 victory to end the game.

Curtis was 2-of-4 with one run, Dempsey went 1-of-3 with two runs and Morese was 1-of-2 with one run and two RBI. The Wildcats had seven hits in the second game.

Villanova returns to conference action on Saturday as it hosts Louisville at 12:00 PM for a doubleheader. The `Cats will face USF on Sunday for a 12:00 PM doubleheader.